Madison Booker delivered a performance for the ages on Sunday, erupting for a career-high 40 points to propel the No. 1 Texas Longhorns to a resounding 100-58 win against the No. 8 Oregon Ducks. This decisive victory secured Texas’s third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Women’s Tournament Sweet 16. Booker’s offensive brilliance was evident from the opening tip, as she consistently created scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. She netted 19 points in the first half alone, and a pivotal three-point play early in the third quarter, where she navigated through multiple defenders for a layup, ignited a 19-4 run that firmly placed the game out of reach for Oregon.
Dominant Performance and Record Books
Booker’s 40-point outburst shattered previous school records for points in an NCAA Tournament game, surpassing the marks set by Clarissa Davis in 1986 and Heather Schreiber in 2003. Beyond her scoring, Booker also contributed significantly with eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals, all while maintaining a clean sheet with zero turnovers. “I’ve never seen that. I’d like to see it again,” remarked Texas senior guard Rori Harmon, emphasizing the exceptional nature of Booker’s display. “I saw the look in her eyes when she came in. I saw something special coming today.”
Her previous career-high of 31 points, set just weeks prior in the Southeastern Conference tournament against Mississippi, was a precursor to this monumental achievement. Texas head coach Vic Schaefer lauded Booker’s capabilities, stating, “She’s a generational talent. I want her to hunt to go get a bucket.”
Road to the Final Four
The victory extended Texas’s home winning streak to an impressive 44 games. As the top seed for the third consecutive year, the Longhorns now set their sights on the Final Four, aiming to return for the second year in a row. Their next challenge will be against either SEC rival Kentucky or former Big 12 opponent West Virginia. Oregon, led by Katie Fiso’s 16 points, was unable to counter Booker’s versatility and scoring prowess. The Ducks, who last reached the Sweet 16 in 2021, found no answer for Booker’s ability to score from anywhere on the court against any defensive scheme thrown their way.
Key Highlights
- Madison Booker scored a career-high 40 points in the NCAA Tournament victory.
- Texas secured a dominant 100-58 win over Oregon to advance to the Sweet 16.
- Booker’s 40 points set a new school record for points in an NCAA Tournament game.
- The Longhorns extended their home winning streak to 44 consecutive games.
- Texas advances to the Sweet 16 for the third year in a row.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q: Who scored 40 points for Texas in the NCAA tournament?
A: Madison Booker scored a career-high 40 points for No. 1 Texas in their second-round NCAA tournament game against Oregon.
Q: What was Madison Booker’s previous career high?
A: Madison Booker’s previous career high was 31 points, which she scored against Mississippi in the Southeastern Conference tournament.
Q: How many times has Texas reached the Sweet 16 recently?
A: With this win, the No. 1 Texas Longhorns have reached the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year.
